PITTSBURGH (93-7 THE FAN) — Last year the Panthers relied heavily upon the contributions of underclassmen for an effective pass defense. Safety Jason Hendricks, coming off a stellar redshirt junior season that earned him Preseason All-ACC honors, expects the approaching campaign to be no different.

PITTSBURGH (93-7 THE FAN) — Ask any Pitt fan to name the team’s most indispensable player–which our own Chris Peak did not long ago–and, chances are, defensive tackle Aaron Donald will be named without much hesitation. But linebacker Todd Thomas can’t be far behind.

(93-7 THE FAN) — Once again, there was a coaching change at Pitt right before this year’s BBVA Compass Bowl, but this time it wasn’t the one everyone dreaded, and it doesn’t look like it’s crushed the spirit of a defense that played spirited football at season’s end.

PITTSBURGH (93-7 THE FAN) — Casey Hampton was presented with “The Chief” Award by the Steelers on team awards day Thursday in honor of his superior cooperation with the media, which can’t have been easy in the wake of unfulfilled expectations.

PITTSBURGH (93-7 THE FAN) — All things considered, it’s easy to say “Same Old Steelers” after Sunday’s unimpressive and, effectively, season-killing performance, against the Bengals. But according to safety Ryan Clark, the problem was, it wasn’t the same old Steelers.

PITTSBURGH (93-7 THE FAN) — The Steelers’ secondary played a more inspired brand of football, led by seven tackles, three passes defended, and two interceptions by defensive back Cortez Allen, but it didn’t keep their playoff hopes alive Sunday against Cincinnati.